Spring training offers a chance for many young players to get some time in the bigs. For others, it is a chance to get back into the game. Let's take a look at some of this year's stars returning from injury.
Grady Sizemore - The Indians superstar had an off year last year. He managed to play in only 33 games. But he's on track to return this year after surgery on his knee. Sizemore isn't going to be the piece that puts the Indians back into the playoff hunt, but Sizemore is as good of a candidate as any to be comeback player of the year.
Justin Morneau - This guy was sidelined with a concussion for EIGHT MONTHS. While playing on a concussion is never a good idea, eight months is (correct me if I'm wrong) the longest concussion related absence I've seen in a good many years. Morneau was side-lined half-way through an MVP season last year. If he stays healthy, the Twins will take off.
Kendry Morales - Morales was injured in a walk-off freak accident. After suffering a broken leg last year, Morales hopes to be a big part of a return to dominance for the Angels. Expect him back around opening day.
Johan Santana - The oft injured Santana is hoping to return to action sometime this season. A return to CY form would be great for a desperate Mets team. Santana could provide some stability to a New York team that hasn't seen the success it was supposed to.
Zack Greinke - How did that happen? Out of the blue, Greinke was reported to have broken a rib. This will keep him out of the opening day lineup, but thankfully for Brewers fans, he'll return to action before long.
Worth mentioning - Adrian Beltre, Chase Utley, Joe Mauer, Joe Nathan, Adrian Gonzalez and others are currently side-lined with "minor" injuries. Expect these guys to be back in time for opening day. Regardless, these players are all on teams that will be able to survive without them. It is most important for them to be able to play later in the season. They'll be needed then.
And finally, Stephen Strasburg. Last year, Strasburg broke into the majors with flair. And then he got injured. The Nationals did absolutely everything they could to keep him from getting injured. But shit happens, and it happened to a team that really can't afford to get any worse. Strasburg is set to return late this year or next year. And when he does, expect Harper, Werth, Espinosa, Zimmerman and more to be waiting for him. Strasburg's return from injury be an omen of good things to come D.C.
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